The Affinity Bridge by George Mann

This is UK steampunk.  The book has the flavor of Sherlock Holmes.   There is more to meet the eye in the relationship between Sir Maurice Newbury and Miss Veronica Hobbes.  They, with the able assistance of Sir Charles Bainbridge the Chief Inspector of Scotland Yard, fight sinister influences in an alternate London.

The period is set with hydrogen dirigibles filling the sky and mechanical men roaming the streets.   A plague possibly originating in India is ravaging the downtrodden of London.   Newbury, an agent of Queen Victoria, is tasked with finding the cause of an airship crash.   Miss Hobbes is his unlikely assistant.

Mann sets an admirable stage.   The characters are flawed and interesting.  The steampunk trappings are entertaining.

I enjoyed this YA novel and recommend it. 

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LOCKLANDS by Robert Jackson Bennett

 Berenice and Sancia are, again, battling to save the world.  The villains are the same and yet not.  The daunting power of the being they battle is overwhelming.  The development of the hive mind added a new variable to the battle.

Bennett has created an intricate and convoluted environment to stage is morality play.   The power of “magic” is inexhaustible and infinite in capabilities.  Knocking on god’s door asking for change is not unique but Bennett has provided the door knockers with their own quirky characteristics. 

The illustration of sacrifice for the common good is moving and well written.

I enjoyed the book and the series.

 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned